Performance Metrics

Performance Metrics

• Who Will Rate the Raters?

  It's all fine and dandy if home energy ratings are accurate. But what if the ratings are bogus?

   

• How Energy Codes for New BUildings Can Apply to Existing Homes

  Using the International Energy Conservation Code as a guide for improving existing buildings.

   

• Southern Pine Gets New, Lower Design Values

  Changes in Southern pine's values will affect trusses, joists, and rafters.

   

• Make It Meaningful: Why Customer Satisfaction Should Be Part of Your Bonus Equation

  Some remodelers feel strongly about tying customer satisfaction survey results to employee rewards.

   

• Trouble Shooter: When It Comes to Buying a Thermal Imaging Camera, Consider Cost and Training

  Buying an infrared camera doesn't provide instant building performance expertise. Consider these factors before investing in a camera.

   

• Advanced Building Technologies Require Attention to Detail

  ED VOYTOVICH on the need for proper processes and attention to detail if remodelers are going to have success with modern building technologies.

   

• Giving the Green Light: A Remodeler Uses His Own Home as a Green Test Case

  A remodeler uses his own home to train himself and his crew in specific green practices so he can better inform clients.

   

• CARL SEVILLE: Don't Forget Green in K&B

  Tips for energy-efficient design for kitchens and baths including proper ventilation and air sealing.

   

• Developing Green: A Team Approach to Enhanced Energy Efficiency

  Creating a green remodeling template and educating developers so they can use that template in remodeling projects.

   

• Science and Building: Fully Integrating Building Science Into Remodeling

  CARL SEVILLE: Rather than being an afterthought or sideline to a remodeling project, building science should be integral to every remodel, right from the beginning of the process.

   

• Old Saws: Building Science and Remodeling

  Building performance may be the most important component of a good remodel. Ed Voytovich busts two building performance myths.

   

• Spreading the Green: MyGreenBuildings Aims to Share Its Expertise

  For a fee, this Florida-based green building franchise offers to help remodelers go green with a strong brand and business coaching.

   

• Power Windows: High-Performance Photovoltaic Glass Units

  Pythagoras Solar's photovoltaic glass units combine low-E selective glass with integral PV cells and optics.

   

• Green From the Start: Steps to Sustainable Remodeling

  CARL SEVILLE: It takes only a bit of extra effort to create a truly sustainable remodel. And that effort is worth it, both in terms of client satisfaction and the benefit to the environment.

   

• Shades of Green: Green Design Is a Combination of Building Science and Product Choices

  Two designers talk about the ways they share "green" ideas with clients.

   

• Making His Mark: Tom Kelly Wins the 2011 Fred Case Entrepreneur of the Year Award

  For his business acumen, entrepreneurial spirit, and industry involvement, Pacific Northwest remodeler Tom Kelly wins this year's Fred Case Award.

   

• Air Me Out: A Building Performance Pro and Mechanical Ventilation to the Rescue

  What to do with a remodel that's too tight but still leaky and has continuing indoor air quality issues — sometimes building better makes things worse. It pays to have a pro weigh in.

   

• BPI Hits 25,000 Home Performance Certifications

   

• Baby Steps on the Path to High-Performance Homes

   

• Spray-Foam Insulation: Open-Cell vs. Closed-Cell

  The pros and cons of each type of insulation.